Freddie Escobar, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles County (UFLAC), criticized Los Angeles leaders for neglecting the city’s fire department, contributing to challenges in combating massive wildfires like the Palisades Fire. The fire has burned 24,000 acres, with another 14,000 acres scorched by the Eaton Fire, exposing severe resource and staffing shortages within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Escobar stated that the department lacks critical personnel and equipment, with an urgent need for 62 new stations, 100 additional firefighters and medics, and more engines and trucks. “The LAFD has been neglected by its leaders for decades,” Escobar told Breitbart News. He noted that limited resources hampered the department’s ability to respond effectively to the Palisades Fire, exacerbated by high winds.
The crisis also highlighted failures in city leadership, including Mayor Karen Bass’s decision to attend a presidential inauguration in Ghana despite fire warnings. Escobar revealed that LAFD leadership opted against pre-deploying resources before the fires due to budget constraints, a decision he described as prioritizing cost over preparedness.
Recent budget cuts by Bass have worsened the situation, slashing $17.5 million from the department and $19 million from the overtime budget. These reductions limited the ability to staff additional resources during critical “red flag” high-wind days.
Water supply issues compounded the problem, as firefighters reported dry hydrants and low-pressure hydrants, which slowed efforts to contain the fires. The Santa Ynez Reservoir atop Pacific Palisades has been nearly empty since 2022 despite two wet winters, leaving firefighters with insufficient water during the emergency. Escobar called for improved water management and alternative sources for wildfire situations.
The fire department also faces strain from daily challenges, including handling approximately 100 fires per day started by homeless encampments. Escobar emphasized the unsustainable burden on firefighters, calling for increased funding to address homelessness-related calls and clear brush in urban areas.
While some blame LAFD’s policies of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” for staffing issues, Escobar attributed the department’s struggles primarily to inadequate funding and insufficient long-term planning. He stressed the need for firefighter input in urban planning and water management to prepare for future emergencies.
